this fact makes it very clear that house republicans have addressed this issue and speaker john boehner is holding firm for fiscal responsibility. with only a few hours to go, it's my hope that the senate will accept one of our proposals and send legislation back to the house that will attempt to tackle out-of-control spending, extend tax cuts for all americans and preventing the devastating defense cuts before it's too late and hundreds of thousands of jobs are destroyed. in conclusion, god bless our troops and we will never forget september 11 and the global war on terrorism. congratulations, jay pierson, for your years of service. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman's time has expired. for what purpose does the gentleman from ohio rise? >> good morning, madam speaker. i ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. mr. kucinich: the question settling over this capital as we face the fiscal cliff, how could this be happening? it's hyperpartisanship meets citizens united. americans' politics are so saturated with money that we